Though Tarantino himself revealed his next movie would be a western, the name of it had been unknown. That said, The Hateful Eight is just a working title, and might not even be what we see in the film’s opening credits when it bows… eventually.

The potential casting of Waltz isn’t exactly surprising, considering he’s won Best Supporting Actor Oscars for Tarantino’s last two features (Django and Inglourious Basterds).

Dern, who is enjoying a late career resurgence thanks to his turn in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska, had a small cameo in Django, and, thanks to his long career as a film cowboy, would certainly be a fine fit in a Tarantino-tinted western.

All that said, QT is still working on the script, casting is yet to begin, and no financing is in place. But don’t let that stifle your excitement for The Hateful Eight (or whatever it might be called).

The title does seem like a play on The Magnificent Seven though, so even if the plot is under wraps, we can make a few assumptions: expect at least six more excellent actors to be unveiled in the lead roles.